Death of a Class Mate - Frederick Arthur Mathews - 23rd Co.

Colonel Frederick A. Mathews USMC(Ret) died 24 July 2017 of Parkinson's disease.  Fred was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa and Tulane University, and received a USNA appointment from Iowa.  "Fearless Fred" (Academy nickname) was in the 23rd Company, 6th wing, Bancroft Hall.  At graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, USMC. He received training as an infantry platoon commander at The Basic School, Quantico, followed by Infantry Platoon command, 1st MarDiv, Camp Pendleton, California. He then underwent flight training; NAS, Pensacola, then helicopter training.  Afterwards, Fred moved overseas to MCAF, Sukiran, Okinawa where he flew HOK helicopters and O-1E's.  On receiving  F9F jet pilot training he joined  MAG-14, Cherry Point, NC. Next was VMA-225 flying A-4's, which deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS SHANGRI-LA.  In 1962 Fred became Marine Representative, USAF Academy and Cadet Squadron Commander.  He next moved to Okinawa, then Danang, Vietnam with H&MS-16.  In May 1966, Fred was piloting a HU-1E helicopter when he received a gunshot wound alongside his heart.  Prompt evacuation to Charlie Med and surgery saved his life. Convalescence was at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Afterward,  he attended Command and Staff College, MCS, Quantico.  Then Fred reported to MCAS, New River, Camp Lejeune as XO, HMM-264. A year later Fred was in Saigon on the MACV staff in J-3 operations.  Then Fred became CO of HMM-163, MCAS, Santa Anna.  Fred's next duty was Assistant G-3 (operations), 1st MAW, El Toro. He then attended the Naval War College, Newport, RI.  Following graduation, he remained as Strategy and Policy Instructor/Military Historian.  In 1973, Fred was back overseas as CO, MAG-36, Futenma, Okinawa.  His last assignment  was Head, Aviation Analysis Branch, HQMC, Washington.  "Fearless Fred" retired 1 August 1978. Personal Decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Fred settled in New England and attained a MS/Accounting, University of Rhode Island and CMA certification. He worked in Boston while commuting from Rhode Island for Dataware Technologies, Inc.; a worldwide software development firm.  After retirement #2 Fred spent his "leisure" years as busy as ever.  Fred is survived  by his loving wife Pat of 62 years, two children Terri (Bill) Breach and Tim (Elaine), three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.   Fearless Fred was buried   with military honors on 4 August in the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Georgia.